Bruce Springsteen said during his recent PBS special, “Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song,” that being a true patriot is all about coming face-to-face with America’s flaws and encouraging the government and your fellow citizens to do better.
“I believe in critical patriotism,” Springsteen said. “I believe that’s the definition of a patriot, you know, that you love your country so much that you are willing to look at it clearly, recognize its faults, encourage it to be a better place, and believe that you carry in your heart the country that is waiting.”
Springsteen remains one of the most politically outspoken artists in the Donald Trump-era. He recently wrapped up his “Land of the Hope and Dreams” tour, which featured plenty of protest songs and jabs at the White House. During the tour opener in late March, The Boss took aim at Trump and Pam Bondi. He said of the former attorney general, “She prosecutes our president’s perceived enemies, covers up for his misdeeds and protects his powerful friends.” He later added of Trump, “You want to talk about snowflakes? We have a president who can’t handle the truth.”
Trump, of course, has sent plenty of his own shots at Springsteen. Most recently, the President took to Truth Social to call for a MAGA boycott against Springsteen’s music and concerts.
